question

[GarNiac]

I know that spotted/florida gars can be kept with bichirs, but is there a chance that the gars could bite the bichirs? ie took a chunk meat out of those bichirs

 

[SalmonAfrica]

Nope, never seen it myself. Regardless, both types of fish have some formidible armour that will protect them to some extent against attacks.

Otherwise just don't worry about it unless your gar/bichir is significantly larger than the other fish.

 

[msjinkzd]

My tropical sometimes scraps with my endlis. They h ave both injured each other due to overcrowding. What size is your tank and what size are your critters?

 

[GarNiac]

thanks for the reply, tank is 120 galls, currently have around 10 bichirs, including endlis, sens, and laps. I havent put the florida gars just yet as a friend of mine is going to give it to me. My biggest bichir is about 11'' and the rest are around 8", the floridas would be around 7".

 

[E_americanus]

gars won't be able to take a "chunk" out of bichirs, nor is the vice versa going to happen (assuming juveniles/adult fish). the ganoid scales of either fish will prevent much damage by the others teeth. both bichir and gar teeth are made more for grasping and holding, and while sharp, are not really made for cutting and definitely cannot penetrate the ganoid scales of the body. fin damage is always possible, but both of these groups of fishes regenerate fins at a rapid rate.

just make sure neither fish can swallow the other and you'll be fine--
--solomon

 

[GarNiac]

thanks alot for the info